Beowulf, by
Anonymous, is part of the
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Widely regarded as the first true masterpiece of English literature,
Beowulf describes the thrilling adventures of a great Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. Its lyric
intensity and imaginative vitality are unparalleled, and the poem has greatly influenced many important modern novelists and poets, most notably J. R. R. Tolkien, author of
The Lord of the
Rings.
Part history and part mythology,
Beowulf opens in the court of the Danish king where a horrible demon named Grendel devours men in their sleep every night. The hero Beowulf arrives and
kills the monster, but joy turns to horror when Grendel’s mother attacks the hall to avenge the death of her son. Ultimately triumphant, Beowulf becomes king himself and rules peacefully for
fifty years until, one dark day, a foe more powerful than any he has yet faced is aroused—an ancient dragon guarding a horde of treasure. Once again, Beowulf must summon all his strength and
courage to face the beast, but this time victory exacts a terrible price.
New translation by John McNamara. Features an original map and genealogy chart.
John McNamarais Professor of English at the University of Houston, where he teaches the early languages and literatures of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with a special focus on their
oral traditions. He is the co-editor of
Medieval Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Myths, Legends, Tales, Beliefs, and Customs.